Anu Vardhan, a distinguished Indian costume designer and entrepreneur, has etched an enduring legacy in the realm of Indian cinema, showcasing exceptional talent in crafting mesmerising and authentic costumes. With a foundation in visual communications, her cinematic journey has been nothing short of extraordinary, reflected in her estimated net worth of $6 million.
Early Life and Educational Background
Anu Vardhan is an alumna of Loyola College in Chennai, where she graduated in visual communications. This educational foundation became the cornerstone of her illustrious career in costume design. Additionally, she boasts a familial connection as the granddaughter of the esteemed Tamil actor N. S. Krishnan.
A Multifaceted Talent in Filmmaking
Anu Vardhan’s entrance into the film industry commenced with the critically acclaimed “The Terrorist” (1997), directed by family friend Santosh Sivan. In this project, her role extended beyond costume design; she also contributed as a scriptwriter and even made her acting debut, portraying a friend of the lead character played by Ayesha Dharker.
Her career soared with the collaboration with Santosh Sivan once more in “Asoka” (2001), a historical epic where she served as the Principal Costume Designer. Here, her meticulous research and dedication were evident as she crafted period costumes for the film’s lead actors, Shahrukh Khan and Kareena Kapoor, set in the 3rd century.
Noteworthy Collaborations and Critical Acclaim
Anu Vardhan’s collaboration with acclaimed actor Ajith Kumar has been a defining element of her career, working on various projects directed by Vishnuvardhan and Siva. Her commitment to delivering captivating and authentic costumes has consistently shone through.
A pivotal moment came in 2016 with her work on “Kabali,” where she styled the legendary Rajinikanth in two distinct looks. The film’s success catapulted her into the limelight, earning her widespread appreciation and numerous awards. This achievement firmly established her as a top-tier costume designer in the industry.
Building on the success of “Kabali,” Anu Vardhan collaborated with director Pa. Ranjith for the film “Kaala” (2018), where she curated a wardrobe primarily featuring kurtas and lungis in a black-themed ensemble for Rajinikanth.
Anu Vardhan’s innovative use of handloom products has been particularly noteworthy. Her creation of silk-cotton saris for Nayanthara gained immense popularity, sparking a demand for similar products. This design approach persisted in subsequent collaborations for films such as “Bigil” (2019) and “Darbar” (2020).
Personal Life and Professional Collaborations
Anu Vardhan’s personal life is intricately connected to Indian cinema, as she is married to film director Vishnuvardhan, whom she met at Loyola College. The couple collaborated on Santosh Sivan’s “The Terrorist” (1997), creating a union of creative minds.
With a career marked by significant accomplishments and a reputation for meticulous attention to detail, Anu Vardhan stands as a formidable force in the domain of costume design. Her work exemplifies the transformative power of costumes in breathing life into authentic and captivating characters on the silver screen, solidifying her esteemed position in the Indian film industry.
